Bring Your Human to Work: 10 Surefire Ways to Design a Workplace That Is Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World

by Erica Keswin

WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER
The secret to business success? Get REAL and be HUMAN! As human beings, we are built to connect and form relationships. So, it should be no surprise that relationships must also translate into the workplace, where we spend most of our time! Companies that recognize this will retain the most productive, creative, and loyal employees, and invariably seize the competitive edge. The most successful leaders are those who actively form quality relationships with their employees, who honor fundamental human qualities―authenticity, openness, and basic politeness―and apply them day in and day out. Paying attention and genuinely caring about the effects people have on one another other is key to developing a winning culture where people perform at the top of their game and want to work. As a workplace strategist and business coach, Erica Keswin has spent over 20 years working with top business leaders and executives to build successful organizations that honor relationships. Featuring case studies from top brands such as, Lyft, Starbucks, Mogul, and SoulCycle, to name a few, Bring Your Human to Work distills the key practices of the most human companies into applicable advice that any business leader can use to build a “human workplace.” These building blocks • Understanding your company’s role in the world, beyond financial profit • Encouraging employees to be healthy in body and spirit • Running your meetings with clear purpose • Making space for face-to-face interaction • Building professional development into company culture • Inspiring your workforce to give back to the community • Simply saying “thank you” A human company is real, genuine, aligned , and true to itself . A real company flaunts its humanity, instead of hiding it. It’s what the most successful, sustainable companies are doing today, and there’s no reason yours can’t be the same. Keswin’s leadership lessons foster fairness, devotion, and joy in the workplace―all critical elements of a successful business. By bringing your human to work, you can design a workplace that is good for people, great for business, and just might change the world.

Genres: Business, Historical Romance, Leadership, Nonfiction, Self Help, Entrepreneurship, Management

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2018

Reviews

[Vovka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good list of examples and case studies for workplace behaviors and policies that make work more human. I liked that it didn't use the same tired examples that we've already read about in other books. I craved a little more depth: for example, what was the real effect of these policies? Any unintended consequences? How to design policies that really work, rather than sound good but fail? For anyone interested in this topic, the book Reinventing Organizations is still the best.

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical, well-organized, and succinct book that will inspire and anger. The inspiration comes in the form of simple, wholesome advice for honoring the humans in your workplace, and the anger arrives with the realization that most workplace cultures are full of lazy initiatives and correctable bad habits.

[Emily Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading this in a weekly book club with my fellow managers and felt inspired by a lot of the content, and have implemented some tips in both my workplace and my personal life. It definitely made me think about how I show up for my employees.
However, post-pandemic some chapters are not as relevant as they once were. Would love to read a modernized version.

[Emily Linacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a great listen!! i super appreciated all the actual real life examples the author included, instead of hypotheticals and abstract ideas. so many good quotes, so many things i wish were possible. excited to check out her next book!

[Kathryn Shepardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

All quite common sense approaches, that sometimes you just need to read or have a reminder on.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually an assignment, given to me by my employer.

Definitely not a book I would pick up normally but I’m sure glad my boss did for us. In my opinion, business/success/lifestyle books can be a bit boring and repetitive. Though, Bring your Human to Work was repetitive in some sections, I never felt bored or uninterested. Keswin is a great writer and the book was an easy, informative read.

I enjoyed how she highlighted multiple companies ranging in smaller to large scales and covering many different platforms. It made me want to start researching these companies to potentially apply to work there; probably the opposite affect my boss wanted to have on his team.

I would only recommend this book if you’re in executive leadership or if you’re planning to start your own company. For me, i couldn’t relate to many scenarios since I’m at the bottom of the ladder at my job; i don’t have much pool to do anything that this book describes.

All and all it was a good read and I think it’s worth 4 stars.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really for me. It's too many examples, not enough content. Just really thin, especially compared to the better management books I've been reading lately.

[Dimitri · Rating 4 out of 5]

📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)

A practical approach on how to meet human needs in the workplace.

👀 How this book changed my daily live (Takeaways)

Human business is incredibly complex and utterly simple
Basic human needs are simple, meeting those needs are infinite

Slack: work hard and go home

1. Mix up the office space
a. Dynamic seating
b. Break hierarchical silos
c. Put departments together that work together
2. Take professional development personally
a. Book club: Connecting and learning trough reading
3. A Culture of gratitude
a. Say thank you

⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)

Key Themes and Strategies

1. Be Real: Speak in a Human Voice
Authenticity is essential for building trust and engagement. Companies should define and live by their values, share honest stories, and empower employees to be brand ambassadors.
2. Play the Long Game: True Sustainability Is a State of Mind
Sustainable workplaces consider the well-being of all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, and the environment.
Intentional practices such as flexible schedules, supportive leave policies, and diversity initiatives are highlighted as key to long-term success.
3. The Sweet Spot: Finding That Special Something Between Tech and Connect
Technology should enhance, not replace, human relationships. Companies are encouraged to match the communication medium to the message and automate routine tasks to free up time for meaningful interactions.
4. Mind Your Meetings: Honoring Relationships with Purpose, Presence, and Protocols
Meetings should be purposeful, inclusive, and designed to foster real connection. Presence and attention are vital, and protocols (like putting away phones) help maintain focus.
5. Well-Being at Work: Finding the Human Side of Wellness
Employee well-being goes beyond perks—it's about fostering a culture that supports mental, physical, and emotional health.
6. Give Back: You’ve Got Nothing to Lose, Only Inspired Employees to Gain
Encouraging employees to give back to their communities increases engagement and purpose. Programs that support volunteering and social responsibility are recommended.
7. Disconnect to Reconnect: Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Setting boundaries with technology—such as device-free meetings—helps employees reconnect with each other and their work.
8. Space Matters: Curating Connection Starts with the Water Cooler
The physical workspace should be designed to encourage spontaneous interaction and collaboration. Details like shared tables and communal areas matter1.
9. Take Professional Development Personally: Empower Employees to Be Their Best Selves
Investing in personal and professional growth shows employees they are valued and helps them bring their best selves to work.
10. Say Thank You: It’s a Human Thing to Do
Recognition and gratitude are fundamental human needs. Regular, sincere appreciation strengthens relationships and boosts morale.

[Celine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh... this one I had to read for work which maybe already placed it at a disadvantage. I was intrigued by the title though given that I’ve been reading and working with design thinking and emotional intelligence a lot. The way this book is written though let me tired rather than inspired. I love when authors use real life examples in business books. Like mini case studies and this one had lots of those. Unfortunately there were so many that it all blended together. Also I realized that what was tiring for me was that I was reading the story and trying to find the point or value for me or the insight and after being done the author would provide it. That left me questioning and sorting on almost every page. I prefer when a point is made first and then the story solidifies it and amplifies it. The observations or take away also seemed somewhat superficial. I did take a few notes bit towards the end browse over the last 20 or so pages...

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Getting Started on This Human Business

1 Be Real: Speak in a Human Voice

2 Play the Long Game: True Sustainability Is a State of Mind

3 The Sweet Spot: Finding That Special Something Between Tech and Connect

4 Mind Your Meetings: Honoring Relationships with Purpose, Presence, and Protocols

5 Well-Being at Work: Finding the Human Side of Wellness

6 Give Back: You’ve Got Nothing to Lose, Only Inspired Employees to Gain

7 Disconnect to Reconnect: Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

8 Space Matters: Curating Connection Starts with the Water Cooler

9 Take Professional Development Personally: Empower Employees to Be Their Best Selves

10 Say Thank You: It’s a Human Thing to Do

Acknowledgments

Notes

Index

[Vishnu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about How well Established companies and Companies with employee concern operate .
and was Enlighted to know such companies and Ideas prevail . Too many repletion's

Thought : No matter how well the management wants the empowerment of employees, If the middle Managers and Messengers who provide the Inputs to the Managements are toxic , will lead to toxic environment, Innovation and Improvement dies .

Where there is I , We is a sinner a Outcast.

From the famous sayings Fish Rots from the head .

[Arielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't remember what conference or professional development workshop recommended this book to me, but the suggestions here are mostly common sense, non-revolutionary ideas, with a few insane, super toxic examples sprinkled in of companies reaching far beyond what should be a firm boundary between employer and employee. I actually recoiled at some of the little snippets. But they probably make sense for someone for whom work = life and they don't have much else going on.

[Jonathan Forisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty succinct management book that does a fairly good job of illustrating each point. The author definitely leaned harder on some companies more than others (Jet Blue, for instance, is practically a sponsor of this book), but there are some legitimately good takeaways from this book. Particularly as an illustration of employee benefits done right, this book has a lot to offer.

[Brittany Viklund · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading, & loving, Keswin’s most recent book, Rituals Roadmap, I wanted to check this one out too. If you lead a team or organization this provides a lot of wonderful insight as to how great companies are prioritize relationships & people in their work. I loved all the samples of what companies do to create thoughtful workplaces, lots of food for thought & springboards for ideas.

[Brian Heckber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read

If you are responsible for creating culture at work, this book is a must read. Great insight in each chapter from multiple companies. I took a bunch of notes & got a lot of great ideas.

[Zhivko Kabaivanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring Your Human to Work (2018) explores how organizations can put human connection at the center of their business.

It outlines the benefits, both financial and social, of encouraging better communication and deeper relationships between coworkers.

[Serenity Bohon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring ideas for making the workplace a place we can love. The stories are top-down with examples of how particularly innovative companies are valuing their employees, putting wellbeing first, and making sure every employee catches and promotes the brand.

[Mahesh Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I read the book during pandemic time. It taught me big lessons of humanity and importance of leisure. Really nice guidebook for corporate sector in the era of cut throat competition.

[Scott E · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would only be mind blowing to someone who has no right to own a business or be in a managerial position. It should not take a book to realise that you should not be a c*nt to your staff and show a bit of kindness

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good common sense points; easy read.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a work book, I really liked the company examples they used.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was geared more towards HR departments and ideas for them to better the culture of your business

[Christina Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

More business leaders should read this. This is a great example of hospitality within the workplace.

[Beatriz Fernandes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, full of wonderful benchmark practices, very helpful for HR professionals and workplace strategists who want to add a human touch to the office.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful book for whoever works in the HR field. It's clear in its explenations and examples and very good on the theory side.
Many thanks to McGraw-Hill Education and Netgalley for this ARC

[Ashley Feinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring Your Human to Work is jam packed with wisdom for those navigating the workplace and creating culture from within as well as leaders and founders creating a workplace and new teams from the top-down. Keswin's meticulous research and expertise provide actionable strategies to create a flourishing mission-driven company that prioritizes human connection, sustainability and giving back. The book is full of really useful information and is also very enjoyable to read. Highly recommend!